A reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Pripyat, Ukraine exploded on April 26, 1986. Two plant workers died as the disaster took place, followed by the death of twenty-eight more individuals in the next few weeks, all of whom were involved in local disaster response efforts. In the next few years, more than 6,000 children suffered from thyroid cancer. The disaster also resulted in the evacuation of 220,000 inhabitants in Pripyat for unsafe habitability.
Thomas O’Neill analyzed the disaster in a case study, stating the explosion took place due to the reactor’s flawed design and a poorly-trained staff. He points out the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster demonstrates how improvements in safety regulations, staff training, and government-civilian communications are important in protecting the health and well-being of citizens.